By the Numbers: Projected Growth in Data-Related Jobs

The text "Data Jobs Outlook" with an illustration of a woman using multiple screens to perform data-related work

Interested in a fast-growing, high-wage career? In celebration of National Technology Day on Jan. 6, we’re highlighting growing occupations that focus on technology’s framework: data.

From 2021 to 2031, employment in the nine occupations shown below is projected to grow more rapidly than the average for all occupations (5.3%); in fact, most are expected to have much faster than average growth. Overall, the increases are projected to create nearly 300,000 new jobs over the decade.

What’s more, the median annual wage for each of these occupations was higher than the median annual wage of $45,760 for all occupations in May 2021. To enter any of these occupations, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree.

 

Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the economic costs of risk and uncertainty.Icon of a piece of paper with a dollar symbol and a calculator.

Projected employment growth, 2021–31: 20.8% (much faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2021: 28,300

Occupational openings, projected 2021–31 annual average: 2,400

Median annual wage, 2021: $105,900

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

 

Database architects design and build new databases for systems and applications.An icon showing computer servers

Projected employment growth, 2021–31: 10.3% (faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2021: 52,700

Occupational openings, projected 2021–31 annual average: 11,500

Median annual wage, 2021: $123,430

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree


Data scientists use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data.Interconnected dots representing data

Projected employment growth, 2021–31: 35.8% (much faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2021: 113,300

Occupational openings, projected 2021–31 annual average: 13,500

Median annual wage, 2021: $100,910

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

 

Economists collect and analyze data, research trends, and evaluate economic issues for resources, goods, and services.Bar chart with a dollar symbol

Projected employment growth, 2021–31:  5.7% (as fast as average)

Number of jobs, 2021: 16,900

Occupational openings, projected 2021–31 annual average: 1,400

Median annual wage, 2021: $105,630

Typical entry-level education: Master's degree

 

Logisticians analyze data to coordinate an organization’s supply chain.Icon of the world with ships moving in different directions

Projected employment growth, 2021–31: 27.7% (much faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2021: 195,000

Occupational openings, projected 2021–31 annual average: 24,800

Median annual wage, 2021: $77,030

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

 

Market research analysts study consumer preferences, business conditions, and other data to assess potential sales of a product or service.A circle chart with a dollar sign in the middle

Projected employment growth, 2021–31: 19.0% (much faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2021: 792,500

Occupational openings, projected 2021–31 annual average: 99,800

Median annual wage, 2021: $63,920

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

 

Operations research analysts use mathematics and logic to help solve complex issues.An icon showing two computer screens with arrows indicating a transfer of information between them

Projected employment growth, 2021–31: 23.2% (much faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2021: 104,200

Occupational openings, projected 2021–31 annual average: 10,300

Median annual wage, 2021: $82,360

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

 

Statisticians analyze data or apply mathematical theory to provide usable information.Icon of a computer screen showing a picture of a chart with an upward arrow

Projected employment growth, 2021–31: 32.7% (much faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2021: 34,200

Occupational openings, projected 2021–31 annual average: 3,900

Median annual wage, 2021: $95,570

Typical entry-level education: Master's degree

 

Survey researchers design and conduct surveys and analyze data.Icons of four people. One is being examined under a magnifying glass.

Projected employment growth, 2021–31: 6.3% (as fast as average)

Number of jobs, 2021: 10,400

Occupational openings, projected 2021–31 annual average: 1,000

Median annual wage, 2021: $59,740

Typical entry-level education: Master's degree

 

You can explore these and hundreds of other occupations in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

 

Ryan Farrell and Maria Hussain are economists in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Follow BLS on Twitter at @BLS_gov.